Late Night
Returning home from the Jade Chamber, Ganyu felt an uncharacteristic wave of exhaustion.
Though Ningguang hadn’t outright accused him, Ganyu knew her well enough to sense the underlying implication.
She suspects Luo Qing.
The thought made her heart ache.
She couldn’t shake the guilt that it was her invitation that had drawn Luo Qing into this web of suspicion.
As she dwelled on the conversation with Ningguang, her feet carried her automatically through the streets of Liyue. Before long, she arrived at her small, humble home.
Since Yaoyao had left for her training, the house had felt emptier than ever. Most nights, she returned to a dark, silent space.
But tonight, through the bamboo-woven walls of her courtyard, she saw light spilling from the windows.
A faint, comforting aroma of congee wafted through the air.
“What’s… going on?”
Ganyu stood frozen, momentarily confused.
She pushed open the gate cautiously, half-expecting Yaoyao to have returned early. But when she entered, she was greeted with an entirely different sight.
Luo Qing sat at the table, a warm smile on his face. On the table before him were two bowls of steaming congee, accompanied by a few side dishes.
“Luo Qing…”
“You’re back,” he said softly, his tone as warm as the light in the room.
“I made some congee. Want to join me?”
“I…”
Before Ganyu could respond, her stomach beat her to it, letting out an embarrassingly loud growl.
“…”
Her cheeks flushed crimson as she stood there, unable to speak.
She had skipped the feast Ningguang had prepared at the Jade Chamber, too preoccupied with worrying about Luo Qing and Liyue to eat.
Now, the inviting aroma of the congee seemed to awaken her empty stomach’s demands, loud and clear.
“Come on, don’t just stand there,” Luo Qing said with a chuckle.
He walked over, gently taking her hand to guide her to the table. After seating her, he placed a bowl of congee in front of her.
“Do you want me to feed you, or will you eat on your own?”
“Eh?!”
Ganyu’s blush deepened as she hastily picked up the bowl with both hands.
“I-I’ll do it myself!”
Though they had already shared a kiss, that had been Luo Qing’s doing. Something as intimate as being fed directly… she wasn’t ready for that level of closeness yet.
“Thank you, Luo Qing,” she murmured, dipping her spoon into the congee.
As she took small, careful bites, she couldn’t help but glance at him.
Why does this simple congee taste better than anything I’ve ever had before?
“Don’t mention it.”
Luo Qing smiled and leaned back, watching her with gentle eyes.
Unable to resist, he reached out and gave her a playful pat on the head.
Though Ganyu flinched slightly at first, she didn’t pull away. She continued eating, her gaze lowered shyly.
“Ganyu, you seem troubled,” Luo Qing said after a moment. His voice was laced with concern. “Did something happen? If it’s something I can help with, you know you can tell me.”
“It’s nothing serious,” Ganyu replied hesitantly, setting her spoon down.
But the weight of the day lingered in her eyes, and Luo Qing wasn’t convinced.
“It doesn’t look like nothing to me,” he teased lightly. Before she could protest, he flicked her gently on the forehead.
“Ow…”
“If you don’t tell me, I’m going to get upset,” he said with a mock pout.
“Fine…”
Still rubbing her forehead, Ganyu looked up at him, her expression tinged with guilt.
“I’m sorry, Luo Qing…”
“For what?”
“For causing you trouble,” she admitted quietly.
With that, she began recounting her conversation with Ningguang. She explained how the Tianquan had raised suspicions that Luo Qing might be involved in the recent schemes surrounding Beisht and Osial.
Given his role in the last Osial incident and his position as a Fatui Harbinger, it wasn’t an entirely unreasonable suspicion.
“So Ningguang thinks I’m plotting with Beisht, huh?” Luo Qing said, raising an eyebrow.
“Mm…” Ganyu nodded, her voice trembling with regret. “I’m so sorry, Luo Qing… If I hadn’t written to you, maybe she wouldn’t have suspected you.”
“This has nothing to do with you, Ganyu,” he said firmly, shaking his head.
Really, Ningguang? You think I’d waste time with Beisht and Osial?
He chuckled inwardly at the absurdity.
If he truly wanted to threaten Liyue, he wouldn’t need to rely on those two. To him, such suspicions were almost laughable.
Still, Ganyu’s concern softened his heart.
“Don’t worry about it,” he assured her. “I’ll handle it. Trust me.”
Though he didn’t appreciate being accused, this was also an opportunity. If he could clear his name and gain Liyue’s trust, it might make things easier for Ganyu in the future.
Besides, if I’m going to marry her someday, it won’t hurt to show them I can be trusted.
But that could wait until tomorrow.
For now, there was something more pressing at hand.
“It’s getting late, Ganyu,” Luo Qing said, glancing out the window. “We should rest. I’ll take care of everything tomorrow.”
“Mm…”
Ganyu nodded absentmindedly, then suddenly realized the implication of his words. Her head shot up in alarm.
“Luo Qing… you’re staying here tonight?”
“Of course,” he replied matter-of-factly.
“But…”
Her cheeks burned as she looked down.
Her home was small, with only one bed. She couldn’t possibly let him sleep on the floor, but if they shared the bed…
“Do you not want me to stay?” Luo Qing asked, feigning a hurt expression.
“I-I didn’t mean that!” Ganyu stammered, shaking her head.
“Then it’s settled,” he said with a grin, patting her head again. “Thanks for letting me stay, Ganyu.”
“…Mm.”
Before long, Ganyu emerged from the washroom, dressed in a loose silk nightgown.
Her usual black stockings were gone, revealing smooth, pale legs that seemed to glow in the soft light.
Standing by the bed, she hesitated.
Luo Qing was already lying down, leaving space for her beside him.
“Ganyu, come on up. I even warmed up the bed for you~”
“Mm…”
She climbed in gingerly, keeping as much distance between them as possible.
“Luo Qing, we’re not married yet, so… that kind of thing…”
Her voice grew smaller with each word until it was barely audible.
“It’s… it’s not allowed.”
“I understand,” Luo Qing said quickly, his voice calm but betraying a hint of eagerness.
“Mm…”
Ganyu seemed to believe him, letting out a small sigh of relief. After a moment’s hesitation, she settled onto the bed, her back turned to him.
Her position was careful, maintaining a good ten centimeters of space between them. It was clear she was still nervous.
Luo Qing, however, couldn’t resist her adorably awkward demeanor.
“Ganyu…”
“Huh? What is it—”
Before she could finish, she felt strong arms wrap around her waist, pulling her closer.
By the time she realized what was happening, she was nestled snugly in Luo Qing’s embrace. The blanket was tucked around them, leaving only the thin fabric of her nightgown between their bodies.
“Luo Qing… w-what are you doing?!”
“Going to sleep, of course~”
—
T/N: wait what did ZXhongli say
This is a fan translation of 原神：这个见习执行官太屑了 by 何一乐. All rights to the original work belong to the creator. Please support them by exploring their original work or sharing it with others if you can. Thank you for reading and supporting my efforts to bring this story to a wider audience!
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